The City of Garland, Texas, seeks a. Human Resources Director

Transcription

1 The City of Garland, Texas, seeks a Human Resources Director

2 Community Background The City of Garland is a dynamic and diverse community with a broad economic base consisting of industrial, manufacturing, retail and commercial services. Garland s brand, which features a stylized Firewheel wildflower, signifies forward motion, energy and power. The branding slogan, Texas Made Here, emphasizes that Garland is where things are made the opportunities, careers and products that make Garland home. Garland is located in the northeast quadrant of Dallas County, 15 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. From its beginnings in the 1880s as the communities of Embry and Duck Creek, Garland has grown to encompass an area of 57 square miles with a population of over 233,000. It is the second largest city in Dallas County and the twelfth largest city in Texas. Garland is an attractive and exciting place to call home. It is known for its safe, affordable, family environment, as well as its strong industrial base. For the second year in a row, the City of Garland received national recognition as one of the top 10 safest cities. According to Law Street Media, Garland is ranked ninth in the Top 10 Safest Cities Over 200,000 in the United States. Major employers include Navistar International, General Dynamics, Kraft, U.S. Foods and Danaher Corporation. Baylor Medical Center has established a substantial campus in Garland. Firewheel Town Center, adjacent to the President George Bush Turnpike in the northern portion of the City, is home to 125 retail stores and contains more than one million square feet of retail and office space. Bass Pro Shops is located along Interstate 30 in the southern portion, along with a new conference hotel and a compelling collection of restaurants and shops. Garland enjoys a unique combination of a small town atmosphere and the excitement and amenities of a large metropolitan area. It is conveniently located within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, and residents enjoy all of the benefits of an active metropolitan environment, including access to world-class cultural amenities and to sporting events featuring teams in all major intercollegiate and professional sports. Garland has become an important destination on the extension of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Blue

3 Community Background Line, which provides light rail service to downtown Dallas through two Garland stations. Additions within walking distance of the downtown Garland DART station include retail and residential developments and a new multi-use building of the Dallas County Community College District. Redevelopment in the central area continues, and includes an extensive exterior renovation of Garland s City Hall. In the downtown area, Granville Arts Center and the Plaza Theater host a wide variety of concerts, plays and musical performances. Garland s Historic Downtown Square, only a few steps away, has been honored as one of the top ten districts of its kind in the State of Texas. Garland is adjacent to Lake Ray Hubbard, a major recreational lake noted for fishing and boating. Garland s park system includes more than 2,500 acres of developed parkland, as well as a family-friendly wave pool and two of the top public golf courses in Texas. Garland s three public school districts, the Garland Independent School District, Richardson Independent School District and Mesquite Independent School District, are known for the high quality of education they offer. All are designated as recognized by the Texas Education Agency. Garland residents have the opportunity to pursue secondary education at several colleges and universities located within a comfortable driving distance, including the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Arlington, Southern Methodist University, Texas Woman s University and the University of North Texas.

4 City Government In 1951, Garland voters adopted a Home Rule Charter that established the Council-Manager form of government under which the City of Garland presently operates. The eight Members of the City Council are elected from single member districts. The Mayor is elected at-large. By City Charter, the City Manager, City Attorney, City Auditor, City Secretary and Court Judges are appointed by the City Council. The City Manager is responsible to the City Council and oversees the day-to-day operations of the City. The executive structure of the City includes the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Manager and three Senior Managing Directors. The City is recognized for its recognized management practices, earning consistently high bond ratings and a wealth of state and national awards for innovative programs and initiatives. Garland provides a wide range of services to its citizens, including public safety, curbside recycling, as well as electric, water and wastewater utilities. The City staff includes more than 2,000 employees and is comprised of more than 30 departments. City operations are guided by the City of Garland s Guiding Principles:

5 Human Resources Department Garland s Human Resources Department is committed to providing a diverse, well-trained and professional workforce for the City organization. The Department achieves this objective by maintaining high employment standards, hiring well-qualified candidates, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and providing ongoing development opportunities to employees. The Department is well regarded by employees and management alike, and prides itself on being more collaborative than hierarchical in nature. The Department has an authorized staff of 19. The Director will have FY 2015 budget oversight of $30,799,855 million, including the health insurance and wellness fund. Key functions of the Human Resources Department include: Recruitment and Selection The Department is dedicated to attracting and hiring diverse and qualified applicants to provide high quality service to the citizens of Garland. The Department also provides consultative services to hiring managers to identify and use effective recruitment strategies for sourcing the best candidates. Compensation This function involves a number of activities, ranging from job evaluation to salary administration. The Department is responsible for maintaining a competitive pay structure while ensuring that pay practices are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Benefits The Department is responsible for seeing that the City of Garland provides competitive employee benefits at affordable rates to ensure the health, wellness and financial security of its employees. The Department coordinates the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) plan for employees and retirees. Employee Relations The Department assists employees and supervisors in resolving work-related issues and facilitates resolution of disputes concerning matters related to employment law, performance management, human resources policies or City-wide policies. The Department also coordinates Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) program services, FMLA and Open Records Requests. Workforce Development and Engagement The Workforce Engagement and Development department works City-wide with departments to provide consulting, team development, and training programs to enhance skills, knowledge and performance. The City of Garland does not bargain collectively or engage in meet and confer programs with any of its employees. Associations exist within the Police and Fire Departments, with which the Human Resources Department, and City management, enjoy productive working relationships.

6 Human Resources Director The Human Resources Director will assist in planning, directing and managing the human resources function for the City. The Director will manage the day-to-day operations of the human resources function ensure high quality HR support and an exceptional service culture. The position will be responsible for providing management oversight to all functional areas within the Department, including recruitment/selection, compensation/benefits, health/welfare, workforce development and engagement, employee relations, HRIS/intranet, and civil service (including directing and managing the activities and administration of Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143, Civil Service). The key essential duties and responsibilities of the Human Resources Director will include: Creating and enhancing trusted partnerships with senior leadership to plan, design and develop human capital strategies and initiatives that support and align with organization strategic goals and direction. Working with management to create a positive work culture that values employees and their success. Guiding management and employee actions by researching, developing updating and communicating policies and procedures. Assisting in development of policies and programs to attract, retain and promote a diverse workforce. Consulting and advising management on legal implications of issues related to employee relations. Recognizing emerging workforce challenges and developing and executing plans for meeting near and long term workforce needs. Evaluating the effectiveness of Human Resources programs and services through data collection and analysis. Keeping abreast of current and developing trends in the human resources field in order to provide analysis and subject matter expertise in support of HR programs and services. Professional certification is an important and essential credential for Garland s Human Resources Director. PHR, IPMA CP, or a comparable designation, is required. SPHR or a comparable designation is preferred. The HR Director position was created as a result of realignment of responsibilities within the department. The HR Director will report to a Sr. Managing Director, who oversees HR, Communications and Fair Housing. Challenges and Opportunities The Human Resources Director can expect to work closely with the Senior Managing Director, the City s executive management team, the Department s management team, other City of Garland departments, and Garland employees on a number of important goals and initiatives, including: Maintaining trust & advocacy among and between City employees, the Human Resources Department, and senior City management. Continuing the evolution of the Human Resources Department pursuant to the development currently underway. Continuing to enhance internal communication through development and implementation of tools such as COGnet, the City s intranet. Assisting in succession planning for the organization. Assisting in development and implementation of enhanced learning systems.

7 Candidate Qualification Criteria & Compensation The following factors of education, experience, leadership, management style, and personal traits have been identified as ideal attributes for the Human Resources Director to possess in order to function effectively and achieve a high level of success in the position. Education, Experience and Skills Candidates must: Have a Bachelor s Degree with major course work in business administration, public administration or a related field and PHR, IPMA-CP, or a comparable human resources certification. A Master s degree in business administration, public administration, human resource management or a related field, and SPHR or comparable certification, is preferred. Have seven (7) years of professional experience in human resources administration, including significant leadership experience. Experience in excess of seven (7) years is preferred. Public sector human resources experience is desirable. Have a demonstrable record of success leading the human resources function creatively and progressively. Have advanced knowledge of multiple human resources disciplines including compensation practices, employee relations, diversity, recruiting, training, performance management, health and welfare benefits, and Federal and State labor laws and regulations. Possess a strong work ethic and demonstrated leadership skills. Possess strong project management and organizational skills and the ability to perform a wide variety of duties in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. Have strong analytical and problem solving skills, and a high degree of initiative and creativity. Possess strong presentation skills with the ability to convey complex and technical information to elected officials, senior City management, and City employees. Be effective communicators, orally and in writing, and possess strong negotiation skills. Candidates should: Have experience in a Council-Manager form of government, and with civil service personnel systems. Be familiar with learning management systems and learning pathways. Have experience in employee rewards and recognition programs. Be familiar with Human Resource Information Technology (HRIS) systems. Management Style and Personal Traits Candidates should be a person: Of integrity who practices an open style, embracing and welcoming employee engagement, viewing employees as partners in problem solving, and dealing with all in a professional, fair, straightforward, and responsive manner. Who is naturally collaborative and has a desire and ability to work effectively with City management, departments, and employees. Who is a leader who is engaged, who actively manages his/her department, and who is an effective member of the City s management team. Who is a self-starter, able to take a project or initiative from start to finish. Who is able to think in innovative and creative ways, challenging self and the organization to set high expectations. Willing to question the status quo and be a catalyst for constructive and positive change.

8 Candidate Qualification Criteria & Compensation Who is an effective communicator who is able to gather, dissect and synthesize information and data and relay it effectively, and who readily shares knowledge and information. Who is a calm, disciplined leader and manager with the ability to distill information into clear direction and policy; be a critical thinker who brings a strategic approach to programs and problems. Able to lead and motivate by personal example, encouraging high standards of performance, productivity, and ethical conduct from all Department personnel. Who is a leader who champions diversity in the workplace and is committed to making progress in enhancing diversity in the department. Who has a management style that includes delegation of responsibility and authority while holding staff accountable for achievement of goals and objectives, without being a micro-manager. Who is patient, resilient, and visionary leader with the ability to focus on the big picture and to anticipate, rather than react to problems and opportunities. Who cares about his/her co-workers, and who is sincerely appreciative and trusting of the contributions of employees to the efforts of the department. Who is a leader and manager who views problems from a broad perspective and emphasizes solutions that support strategic objectives utilizing recognized best practices. Who is a leader and manager who supports and champions strategic initiatives of others, and who demonstrates sincere interest in the development and success of his/her staff. Compensation Garland s compensation philosophy is based on a commitment to attract and retain a qualified, motivated, and diverse workforce that meets the standards of service and excellence required by the City. The starting salary for the Human Resources Director position is expected to be approximately $125,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The benefits package includes executive prerequisites, medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, access to the City Care Clinic, an award-winning Wellness Program, and retirement benefits through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, short and long term disability plans and a legal plan. Reasonable relocation benefits will be provided to the successful candidate.

9 Human Resources Organization Chart

10 How to Apply To apply, send resume, cover letter, and contact information of five professional references via GovHR USA. Position open until filled. All inquiries related to the recruitment and selection process for this position should be directed to the attention of the City s recruitment consultant: Stephen Veitch, Vice President 650 Dundee Road #270 Northbrook, IL Tel: Fax: [email protected] Additional information about the City of Garland can be found on the City s website: The City of Garland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the City organization. Under Texas Open Records law, resumes of finalist candidates may be subject to public disclosure.